Copy of AAC Disruptions in Cell Cycle - CFU 25-26 (10/21/2025) (5/2/2026)

Scientists have reported that more than 95% of the factors that lead to some types of cancers are caused by random DNA-copying errors. During which phase of the cell cycle do these DNA-copying errors most likely occur?

When cells lose their ability to regulate the cell cycle, they can divide at an accelerated rate and form a mass of cells. This mass of cells is referred to as --

Oncogenes are mutated forms of genes. Oncogenes can transform a cell into a tumor cell. Some tumor cells are benign, while others are malignant. How does the presence of an oncogene lead to the formation of a tumor?

Throughout the cell cycle, the cell performs checkpoints to ensure that each phase is proceeding as normal. However, sometimes checkpoints are missed or fail.

During what stage of the cell cycle do mutations occur AND what is the result of mutations if the checkpoint is skipped or fails?

Apoptosis is a programmed form of cell death that helps maintain healthy tissues. If a cell is damaged beyond repair but fails to go through apoptosis, what is the most likely consequence?

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that removes old or damaged cells. However, too much apoptosis can be harmful.

What is one negative effect of too much apoptosis?

During the cell cycle, proteins called "cyclins" bind to enzymes that send signals for the cell to progress through the stages of the cell cycle. At the end of this cycle, the cyclins degrade (break down) to prevent further signaling for the cell cycle to divide.

Uncontrolled production of cyclins will most likely result in...